Just Creepin’ It Real

A skeleton taking a stroll on a brisk fall night might not be too scary.  But you’re likely to do a double take if it’s walking this fiery-eyed, two-headed beast.  A passerby will need to slow down to fully appreciate the trio of creepy skeletons and their canine companions in this spooky outdoor Halloween display.

Pulling it all Together

The focal point of these outside Halloween decorations is a life-sized skeleton and an animated two-headed skeleton dog. Once sound activated, this hound’s two heads move back-and-forth, and his eyes cast an eerie red glow. It’s always an added bonus for unsuspecting trick-or-treaters when the canine comes to life.

This creepy fella is getting a second lease on life. He was purchased a few years ago as a motion activated skeleton with his own hammock. Positioned near the front door, it frequently gave visitors a good fright when his chest started heaving up and down and he started snoring.

Since his reincarnation, he’s perched atop a hay bale instead of resting not-so-peacefully on his hammock. When your decorations are past their prime, especially animatronics, think about how you can still display them. While this one still works, he’s racked up plenty of admirers from his new hay throne.

To round out this Halloween scene, the final skeleton in this trio is comfortably lounging on an Adirondack chair. I love this vignette for the way it casually incorporates existing outdoor furniture, and decorations to give this spooky outdoor Halloween display depth and dimension.

Outdoor Halloween Decor Tips

• Choose one large focal point to anchor your display. This one was the skeleton walking the two-headed skeleton dog.
• Use animatronics to up the fear factor. Once they stop working, you can still incorporate them into a spooky outdoor scene.
• Don’t be afraid to mix old and new pieces. This scene works so well because it blends Halloween decor with the homeowner’s existing furniture and decor.
• Add layers to tell the story. This homeowner added in layers of details including a dog leash, hay bales, tombstones, leaves, mums, corn stalks etc. to add visual interest to each scene.
• For safety and stability, secure larger props to the porch using fishing line. Make sure it’s high enough that’s it doesn’t’ create a tripping hazard.

This yard wows because there is plenty to grab and hold your attention. There are a few new pieces mixed in with older, repurposed decorations. Adding plenty of jack-o-lantern style pumpkins (real, foam and plastic), plants, leaves, corn stalks and another skeleton dog – nicely round out these creepy outdoor Halloween decorations.